If you think a model will make for easy prey on a less-than-glamorous deserted island, think again. “I’m made for this,” Vinnie Woolston says of starring on Celebrity Treasure Island. “I’m the opposite of what you would think a male model would be.”
Having worked internationally for 22 years, modelling alongside the likes of Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, as well as becoming the face of Yves Saint Laurent fragrance La Nuit de l’Homme, the homegrown heartthrob and keen surfer won’t be afraid of getting his hands dirty – and he’s done his homework.
“Lately, I’ve been doing landscaping and digging work with my digger at home in Raglan,” explains Vinnie, 39, who’s a doting dad to Mickey, 16, Ramona, 10, and Elvira, eight.
“I’ve also been binge-watching all the past episodes and seasons. I’ve had a few sleepless nights trying to wrap my head around all the logistics, but I’ll just go in being calm and laid-back. I’ll ruffle no feathers, create no dramas and just try to help everyone.”
His biggest strength will be his “adaptability”, he reckons.
“I can fit in wherever I need to and fit any role that needs to be played. Wherever I need to be, I can be there. Being away from my kids will be the hardest, but they’re also my motivation.”
That’s all well and good, but we have to ask… What were Kate and Cara really like?
“Oh, I loved Kate Moss before I met her,” laughs Vinnie, flashing his million-dollar smile. “I really got along with her. She was great. I was like, ‘If you’re ever in our neck of the woods, yell out and I’ll show you around.’ I feel like Raglan’s made for her. It’s a little bit hippie and there’s privacy there as well. It’s an amazing lifestyle. You can be quite incognito there.”
As for Cara, then? Well, Vinnie isn’t quite as gushing.
“She was the opposite of Kate – very difficult, very diva-like. She didn’t say more than two words to any of the cast and crew. It is what it is and there’s also no skin off my nose. It was chalk and cheese, those two… She won’t get invited to Raglan!”
Celebrity Treasure Island premieres 7.30pm Monday 9 September on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.
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